Recent
report cites new airport construction as key factor in growth of
economy

NEW ORLEANS –
According to recently-released data by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
(MSY) grew enplanements by 78 percent between 2006 and 2016, making MSY
the second fastest growing airport in America over a ten-year
period. In 2016, New Orleans had over 5.5 million total
enplanements, 15 percent higher than pre-Katrina levels, which
indicates both a return of flights lost post-Katrina and an influx of
new flights to the region.

"I’m thrilled that the Louis Armstrong New Orleans
International Airport continues to serve as a crucial economic driver
for the New Orleans metropolitan region. The data released by the FAA
is proof that our hard work has paid off,” said Mayor Mitch Landrieu.
"Since 2010, we’ve added three new international non-stop services,
connecting our city with the rest of the world like never before. As we
look ahead to our 300th anniversary, New Orleans is poised for big
things across many sectors, making it a great time to welcome even more
travelers to our world-class city.”

Last year, construction began on the new North Terminal at
MSY, a $993 million project expected to create thousands of new
construction jobs and significant opportunities for local businesses
and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in the
region.Earlier this year, the New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB)
formally voted to expand the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International
Airport North Terminal Project, bringing the total number of gates from
30 to 35. The five-gate expansion came after the airport exceeded all
projected passenger enplanement targets and added new international
flights to Europe and Latin America.

Earlier this month, Condor Airlines announced its 2018
flight schedule with twice-weekly flights operating on Thursdays and
Sundays from May 17, 2018, through September 30, 2018, from MSY to
Frankfurt International Airport (FRA).

In March 2017, British Airways began non-stop, year-round
flights between New Orleans and London. The international flight
departs four times per week from MSY to London Heathrow (LHR)and
will increase to five weekly flights starting October 30,
2017.From London Heathrow, British Airways’ passengers can
connect seamlessly to over 130 destinations in Europe and beyond.

In 2015, Copa Airlines began non-stop flights to Panama,
departing four times weekly, increasing New Orleans' connectivity to Latin
America.

New Orleans International Airport now has 56 non-stop
flights, including 6 international, for a total of 150 daily
flights.

Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation, New Orleans Aviation
Board,said "2016 was a year of
record growth for the Airport, surpassing 11.1 million passengers for
the first time in history. The current trend has MSY on track to
surpass that record in 2017. The growth in our domestic and
international air service has poised New Orleans well for growth as we
move to the future with the construction of our new North
Terminal.”

Cheryl
Teamer, New Orleans Aviation Board Chairwoman,said"The Airport continues to see
success in air service growth bringing more and more new visitors to
New Orleans each year. We have added nine new destinations in 2017
alone which has contributed to the local economy in a big way. The New
Orleans Aviation Board is excited to bring you a new terminal in which
has already contributed new jobs to the City and will continue to do so
for years to come.”